Quick Pipe Coupling With Gradual Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling systems for pressurized pipes face issues with abrupt pressure increases during connection, leading to stress on sealing gaskets, potential leaks, and accelerated deterioration, especially in applications like electronic cooling and flammable apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling system with a male and female element design featuring sealing gaskets housed in peripheral grooves, where the gaskets are gradually exposed to pressure, creating a controlled leak before complete opening, preventing abrupt pressure exposure and maintaining sealing without external leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sealing gasket is directly exposed to the fluid stream during coupling, then the fluid communication between the two coupling elements is established quickly, but the gasket undergoes significant stress and may be stretched or driven against the shoulder of the housing, causing sealing problems and accelerated deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a preliminary pressure equalization phase before complete fluid communication is established. During this phase, the gasket is gradually exposed to pressure through a controlled transition, preventing abrupt stress. The coupling process is divided into stages: initial contact with sealed cavities, gradual pressure equalization through controlled fluid communication, and finally complete opening. This preliminary action allows the gasket to adapt to pressure changes without sudden stretching or displacement.
2Reliability
If the gasket is protected from fluid stream during connection, then the gasket is protected from abrupt pressure exposure, but additional sealing zones and gaskets are required, adding design constraints and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling process into distinct phases with different sealing requirements. The coupling elements include sealed cavities that maintain isolation during initial connection, allowing the gasket to be gradually exposed to pressure. This segmentation of the fluid communication path enables controlled pressure equalization without requiring additional sealing zones or gaskets, as the existing cavity structure serves multiple functions during the transition phases.
3Productivity
If the gasket is exposed to abrupt pressure increase during balancing, then the fluid communication is established, but the gasket may be completely driven out of its housing, causing leaks at the front face of the pressurized coupling element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the fluid communication path during the coupling process. The sealed cavities and controlled opening mechanism allow the system to transition dynamically from a sealed state to an open state, with the gasket experiencing gradual pressure exposure. This dynamic approach ensures that the gasket remains within its housing throughout the process, preventing complete displacement and front face leaks while maintaining connection efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a quick coupling for the detachable connection of two pipes through which a pressurized fluid flows, the quick coupling made up of a male element and a female element. The male element includes a male cylindrical body defining a cavity, a valve movable axially within the cavity, and a first sealing gasket. The female element includes a female cylindrical body defining a cavity, a slide valve movable axially within the cavity, a second sealing gasket, and a peripheral groove that houses either the first or second sealing gasket. A proximal or distal edge of the peripheral groove extends between two planes that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the male or female element, respectively between a proximal plane and a distal plane, which are offset relative to one another along the longitudinal axis.